Col du Galibier with the Gang

The Col du Galibier – one of the highest and most famous climbs in France – is usually closed due to snow until late June. This leaves a climbing season of just three, maybe four, months.

And there are only so many perfect weekend days in July. So this morning five of us set out to cycle this beautiful monster.

The plan? The guys (Martin, Eric, and I) would cycle from St Michel-de-Maurienne taking the 35 kms route via Col du Télégraphe. And our brave girls, Doreen and Katy, would climb from Valloire.

Perfect! I think we all had an absolute blast – plus some hard work. It’s just so beautiful here. Télégraphe is no joke – 12 kms @ 7% but a fun climb with great views of the valley below. After descending to Valloire, there is a long straight stretch that at times is deceptively steep. The route gets ever more beautiful the further one climbs.

But at Plan Lachat, about 8 kms from the top, the road just turns up – and the real fun starts. The distant view of the Col is remarkable. This pass goes over the mountains.

I’ve written about this climb a lot previously, so now I’ll just post some photos and say I am very proud of my wife Doreen as well as Katy. And please excuse a proud husband for a few extra photos of his wife.